Move part of Trump administration’s efforts to foil what it sees as Beijing’s efforts to gain an advantage

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Treasury Department is planning to use laws designed to address national emergencies to block Chinese firms from acquiring advanced U.S. technology, part of a Trump administration initiative to thwart what it sees as Beijing’s efforts to give itself an economic and military edge, according to administration officials.

The Trump administration is looking to use a number of legal measures in its arsenal, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, or IEEPA, which gives the president...

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